Two Degrees will open own stores

Telco market entrant Two Degrees Mobile (2degrees) will open its own dealer network, as well as partnering with major retailers.

Spokesperson Bryony Hilless says retail partners have been decided, but details will be kept under wraps until the network’s launch in August. It is not yet known whether the stores will utilise 2degrees’ branding, she says.

“We’ll be using a whole range of channels – those who sell the handsets and SIM cards,” Hilless says.

Two Degrees will team with a selection of major retailers, she adds.

New Zealand Communications’ entry into the market has been planned for a long time. Its network will support GSM handsets and the company will have its own branded SIM cards. Users can stay on their current number or choose a new 022 number.

The network will cover about 97 percent of the country and roaming will be offered. The 2G, 3G and HSPA+ network uses Huawei technology.

Concept stores to drive Telecom’s XT revamp

Telecom has revealed more details of its planned retail refresh aimed at supporting the launch of the new XT network, as previously reported in Reseller News.

Auckland’s St Lukes mall will be the first of six concept stores to open with revitalised branding, retail CEO Alan Gourdie told media at a briefing last week. Telecom wants to double its retail footprint through these stores and retail kiosks, Gourdie says.

“We have to be where our customers are, in these high traffic areas.”

The concept stores will include zones for browsing, buying, service and repair enquiries, he says, adding Telecom will track customers movement around the stores.

The telco will also revamp its online store in a bid to streamline the process for mobile phone buyers. Gourdie says the number of click-throughs required to reach the purchase stage has been cut by a third.

Telecom’s dealers Total Networks, Leading Edge and Orb will continue to play a fundamental role in sales of devices on the new network, Gourdie says.

Copyright 2017 IDG Communications. ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited.